The Taste of Mexico

In my almost year of marrying couples, twice we've been told by citizens living in Seattle that we should eat at a local authentic Mexican restaurant in our hometown of Centralia. For someone to name a restaurant in Centralia worth eating at who lives is from Seattle is a big deal because the restaurant choices here are fast food with a few local establishments that are at best ordinary.

So today I decided it was time to find out why we have been recommended La Tarasca twice by Seattleites. Pooky and I walked to the restaurant because the day was gorgeous and we could use the exercise for our winter bodies.

Some background about the restaurant. It used to be the old Dairy Queen. I have no idea how long the Ayala family has owned/operated their restaurant, but I think it is at least a decade.

I've never had "authentic" Mexican food. I've tried to make my own molé sauce, but realize that it is something one has to be born into and taught by their grandmother. I am willing to be adopted into a Mexican family so I can learn the secrets of molé sauce.

Anyhow, the restaurant is tiny and the hostess knew immediately we had never eaten there before. We explained we were locals recommended by people from Seattle. She was pleased we had finally come to eat. She was extremely personal and friendly with us. She explained that their food isn't like Tex-Mex, but real Mexican food all cooked by her mother from scratch. She told us what the house specialities were.

I went with the enchaladas and Pooky tried the carnitas. I had no idea what to expect, so was a bit surprised that I had two large pieces of chicken on my plate with 4 stuffed corn tortillas filled with a bean and potato mixture, topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Food is an adventure for me, and I like trying new things. This was extremely new and adventurous. Upon my first bite I was hooked. It just kept getting better. So much flavor, tastes, textures! I don't think I stopped to breathe until I was three-quarters through my mound of food. Pooky let me try some of his pork—again, fork tender and delicious!

Upon receiving our check, our hostess wanted our review and we both swooned. We said we wanted to come back and try their molé, so she said she'd let me sample their sauce right then and there! Oh my God! It is to die for! It is an absolute requirement we return and stuff ourselves with molé! Hopefully next time we'll save some room for some flan. I may even try one of their Mexican beverages.